How to become a secondary school teacher
Guide young adults through their high school years in this rewarding and highly needed profession.
What should you study to become a secondary teacher in Australia?
You will need a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) or a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) to become a registered teacher in your state or territory.
While you can apply directly into these qualifications, there are also other study options if you don’t have a strong academic history.
Take a look at the table below to see which pathway suits you best.
Pathways to becoming a secondary school teacher
If you... | You should... |
|---|---|
Didn’t get the right ATAR for a teaching degree and need a pathway in | Enrol in an Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching Education Studies |
Want to try out secondary education study before committing to a qualification | Enrol in a secondary education subject or short course |
Got an ATAR of 70 or above or have done VET studies | Enrol in a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) |
Have already completed a bachelor degree in any discipline | Enrol in a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) |
Online secondary education certificate
Choose this study option if you didn't get a high enough ATAR for a secondary teaching degree, or you've been out of study for a long time. You can use this certificate as a pathway into a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education).
Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching Education Studies
UndergraduateCUR-HTE-CTF
Work towards your future in early childhood teaching
Study 4 core subjects in teaching children—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Topics include language, literacy, and curriculum. Start thinking about your career as a professional early childhood or primary educator.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Online secondary education subjects and short courses
Start small and learn about an aspect of secondary school teaching, without committing to a qualification. What you study can be credited towards a bachelor degree when you're ready.
Child Development for Educators
UndergraduateCUR-EDC135
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
The Professional Educator: Developing Teacher Identity
UndergraduateCUR-EDC163
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Teaching and Learning in the Digital World
UndergraduateCUR-EDC105
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Educators Inquiring About the World
UndergraduateCUR-EDC175
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Online secondary education bachelor degrees
Become a secondary school teacher in Australia with an approved Initial Teacher Education course.
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) (The Arts - Visual Arts)
UndergraduateCUR-SAR-DEG
Encourage a passion for performing in learners
Boasting a new course structure, this degree promises to hone your skills as a visual arts teacher. Gain the skills needed to teach The Arts in Years 7-12 with new subjects and a chance to take on professional experience subjects throughout.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
UndergraduateSCU-SEC-DEG
Get qualified to work as a registered secondary school teacher
Learn to teach young adults in high school. After covering the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy, choose from a wide range of curriculum specialisations. Put theory into practice during your professional experience placement in the classroom.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
UndergraduateUSQ-BES-DEG
A flexible and industry engaged secondary teaching degree
Prepare to educate in high school classrooms across your chosen subject areas. You’ll get to know how people develop and learn. Explore teaching and curriculum for Years 7 to 12. Includes professional experience in mainstream and alternative settings.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) (Humanities and Social Sciences Education - Geography)
UndergraduateCUR-SGE-DEG
Ground your students’ love of geography
Boasting a new course structure, this degree promises to hone your skills as a geography teacher. Gain the skills needed to teach Geography in Years 7-12 with new subjects and a chance to take on professional experience subjects throughout.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Online secondary education masters degrees
Choose this option if you're already qualified in another discipline, but you want to make a career change into secondary school teaching.
Master of Teaching (Secondary Education)
PostgraduateCUR-SEC-MAS
An Initial Teacher Education qualification in order to register as a teacher in Australia
Develop advanced critical skills, knowledge and understanding for best practice in secondary education. Curriculum areas offered are: English, The Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS).
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
PostgraduateSWI-MTS-MAS
Teach in high schools across Australia
Become a secondary school teacher. You’ll study teaching techniques and the theories of learning. Explore everyday school life during teaching placements. Over the course of 2 years, you’ll enjoy professional support and diverse experiences.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
PostgraduateACU-EDS-MAS
Develop young minds in secondary schools
Pursue an exciting new career in education based on your life experience and prior studies. Specialist teaching areas include drama, economics, physics, and more. Includes supervised work placements to practice teaching in high school.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
PostgraduateGRF-SEC-MAS
Change careers and become a secondary school teacher
Use your qualifications and experiences from other sectors as a pathway to teaching. You’ll learn the theory and practice of teaching, specialising in two teaching areas like biology, drama, or psychology. Includes professional experience in high schools.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
What does a secondary school teacher do?
Secondary school teachers lead teenagers through their most formative years, between the ages of 12 and 18 (or Year 7 to Year 12). As a key role model in their lives, it’s your job to share a set curriculum while capturing their interest and encouraging new thinking.
Most secondary school teachers specialise in one or two subjects across Arts, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Technologies or Physical Education, so you'll get to focus on an area you’re most passionate about. You’ll teach a rotation of different classes every day, which means you’ll need to build a rapport with students quickly and take command of the classroom.
Duties and tasks
Design daily lessons plans that follow your state or territory’s curriculum requirements.
Set regular homework tasks, supervise tests and mark assessments.
Write reports and hold parent-teacher interviews to update parents on how students are performing.
Supervise students outside the classroom at assemblies, on excursions and school camps or during extracurricular activities.
Supervise student teachers on placement.
Attend staff meetings and collaborate with colleagues on revising school policies.
Stay up to date on the latest pedagogies by taking part in professional development activities.
What skills do you need to be a secondary school teacher?
Adaptability
Empathy and patience
Time management and organisation
Leadership and conflict resolution skills
Creative problem solving skills
Meet Master of Education graduate, Brendan
Brendan Coutts is a passionate high school teacher who believes in lifelong learning—not only for his students, but also for himself.
Watch him talk about his study journey through Open Universities Australia.
What is the average secondary teacher salary in Australia?
A high school teacher’s salary will vary depending on their location, experience and whether their school is private or public.
Check the table below to find out the starting salary for graduate teachers in your state or territory.
State or territory | Starting salary for graduate teachers |
|---|---|
South Australia | $74,769 per year |
Tasmania | $74,824 per year |
Victoria | $75,726 per year |
Australian Capital Territory | $76,575 per year |
Northern Territory | $77,047 per year |
Queensland | $78,000 per year |
Western Australia | $78,397 per year |
New South Wales | $85,000 per year |
Source: State Department of Education figures, as of November 2023
Why is secondary teaching a good career choice?
Teachers are highly sought-after, not just in Australia, but around the world. This gives you the gift of job security, plus the freedom to move wherever teachers are needed, including overseas.
Every day is different. Your students will surprise and challenge you constantly, which means your career will never be boring.
You can make an impact. Teachers help young people understand the world, wrestle with new ideas and prepare for adulthood. Everyone remembers how their favourite teacher influenced their life—and you could leave that legacy.
Other careers you might be interested in
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
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Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
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